Potato-digger



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 W. SUHRADBR.

POTATO BIGGER.

No. 391,086. Patented 001;. 16, 188

I ll

I Z o m/ H fifii' w I:

O a z e r Z 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

W. SOHRADER.

POTATO BIGGER.

Patented Oct. 16,

(No Model.)

WEEEQIHGEEMZ UNiTED STATES ATENT Orrrcs.

WILLIAM SCHRADER, OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS.

POTATO- DIGGER.

SPECIFICATION (N0 model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM SOHRADER, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Arlington Heights, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Potato- Diggers, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

The nature of my invention relates to the construction and arrangement of the several parts of a potato-digger, as will be hereinafter described and specifically claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a plan view; Fig. 2, a side elevation; Fig. 3, a front elevation, and Fig. 4 a transverse vertical section through the line of the axle-journals of the machine.

Corresponding letters of reference designate like parts in all the figures.

The journals a of the traction-wheels A are secured into short L-shaped pieces B, preferably cast of metal. These pieces B, by flanges b, are secured against the sides of a wooden frame composed of longitudinal side beams, O, and crossbeams c, permanently secured together and having rigidly fastened upon the forward cross-beams the pole E for hitching the horses.

The pieces B are each vertically cored out for receiving and guiding the vertical shanks of a U-shaped frame, F, bent of round bariron, the lower portions of which vertical shanks are curved for bringing the horizontal connecting portion of this frame to a more forward position, whereupon it is pivotally coupled by straps e, the frame G, the rear end of which is suspended to the side beams, G, on hook-bolts f, engaging slots To the forward end of frame G is rigidly secured the plow-shoe H, carrying the curved metallic plow-plate h.

Between the front and rear ends of frame G arejournaled two shafts, t and j, each having mounted inside of said frame, at the opposite sides thereof, sprocket-wheels for endless chains is, stretched thereupon wooden slats that form a apron, I.

The upper ends of the vertical shanks of U- shaped frame F are connected bya crossbar,

and connected by grate-shaped endless J, having eyed ends passed over such shanks and being secured by set-screws Z. Upon its middle portion this bar J has a hook-shaped bracket, m, engaging a slot in lever L, pivoted to standard a and engaging with the teeth of vertical ratchet-bar M, both standard a and ratch et-bar M being rigidly secured upon crossbeams c. The rear end of lever L is to be in easy reach from the drivers seat, (not shown on drawings,) and by means of this lever L the driver can raise and lower the plow shoe.

Under the rear end of frame-beams O is suspended on hanger-bars 0, so as to be rearward] y inclined, a frame, N, carrying a series of Ion gitudinal bars to form a grate, 0. To the spokes of one traction-wheel A is secured, by clamping or otherwise, a large sprocket-wheel, P, and upon the projecting end of shaft 2' is mounted a small sprocket-wheel, Q, and over both these sprocket-wheels is stretched an endless chain, R, that will drive the endless apron I. Sprocket-whee1 Q is also provided with a crank-pin, r, coupled by a pitman, S, with a side bracket, 8, rigidly secured to frame N, to impart a shaking movement to such frame N and grate Owhile the machine is being pulled over the field.

The modus operanrh' of the machine is as follows, to wit: The plow-shoe H, being adjusted to pass under the potatoes, will remove them from the ground and convey them back upon the endless apron I, which again will convey them upon the shaking-grate 0, where the dirt is freed from the potatoes, and which will drop them,together with the vegetation, at the rear.

With the arrangement of dispensing with an axle by securing thejournals to pieces B, and with the U shaped frameF passed through these pieces B, a larger opening is obtained for the vegetation of-the potatoes to pass through in being conveyed toward the rear without clogging the machinery parts.

What I claim is 1. The combination, with Lshaped pieces B B, having bores in the vertical members or parts and having attached the traction-wheel journals, of U shaped frame F, guided in pieces B, and carrying the plow-plate h, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination, with L-shaped pieces B B, having bores in the vertical members or journals, of U shaped frame F, guided in pieces ing cross-bar J coupled to lever L, of frame G,

parts and having attached the traction-wheel carrying endless apron I, and having secured B, and having cross-bar J, coupled with lever plow-plate h, and of shaker-grate O, suspended 1"5 L, for vertical adjustment, the frame F, supto frameO, all substantially as described, to porting the front end of swinging frame G, operate as specified.

with endless apron I, and with plow-plate h, In testimony whereofI affix my signature in substantially as set forth. presence of two witnesses.

3. The combination, with L-shaped pieces WILLI ALM SOHRADER B B, having bores in the vertical members or parts, and having attached the traction-wheel W'itnesses:

VVILLIAM H. LOTZ,

OTTO LUBKERT.

journals and being secured to frame 0, of U- shaped frame F, guided in pieces B, and hav- 

